Results (starting pos.) from the Coca-Cola 600
1.   (7) Kasey Kahne., No. 5 Chevrolet
20.    (29) Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 42 Target Chevrolet
21.    (31) Jamie McMurray, No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Arctic Cat Chevrolet

CONCORD , N.C. (May 28, 2012) – Juan Pablo Montoya and the Target team took to the track Sunday for the season’s longest race of the year. The Target Chevrolet started in the 29th position and overcame handling concerns and a loose wheel to finish the endurance race in the 20th position.

 

The Target team sported a new patriotic paint scheme over the weekend in honor of Memorial Day weekend. The No. 42 red, white and blue Chevy rolled off the starting grid in the 29th position and set their sights on a solid run. The annual race starts in the daylight and ends in the evening hours causing teams to make aggressive changes throughout the 400-lap race for changing track conditions. Montoya battled with the handling early on and made multiple pit stops to adjust the car accordingly. Long green flag runs and a loose wheel during the second half of the race added to the equation. The Target Chevrolet held strong and finished out the evening in the 20th position.

 

"It was a tough night for our Target team,” Montoya remarked. “We were able to make some adjustments on the car and make up some ground in the middle stages of the race, but the mishap on pit road really set us back.  The guys worked really hard, but with those long green flag runs it is hard to make up any ground.  We hoped to make it two for Target today.”

 

Notes:
- Target Chip Ganassi Racing won the prestigious Indianapolis 500 earlier in the day. Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon finished one – two, respectively.
- Only nine cars finished on the lead lap at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Five caution flags flew during the 400-lap race for only 23 laps under caution.
- Montoya moved up one position in the point standings to 18th; 76 points out of contention for the Chase.

 

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series heads to Dover International Speedway next weekend for the FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks on June 3. The race will air live on FOX and radio stations affiliated with MRN at 1:00 p.m. ET.